MV Northumberland

Last updated

MV Northumberland ferry entering Caribou, NS.jpg
Northumberland arriving in Caribou, July 2025
History
Name
  • Fanafjord
  • Northumberland
Owner
Operator Northumberland Ferries Limited [2]
Port of registry Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Charlottetown
Builder Aker Yards in Brattvåg, Norway [3]
Completed2006 [3]
In service2007-present
Identification IMO number:  9344758
General characteristics
TypeFerry
Length129.8 m (425 ft 10 in) [3]
Beam18.7 m (61 ft 4 in) [3]
Draught4.5 m (14 ft 9 in) [3]
Decks8 [2]
Installed power Diesel engine
PropulsionDiesel-electric propulsion; azimuth thrusters
Speed19.5 knots (36.1 km/h; 22.4 mph)
Capacity600 passengers; 180 vehicles; 18 tractor-trailers

MV Northumberland is a Canadian RORO ferry which operates on a seasonal basis between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island from May to December. It is operated by Northumberland Ferries Limited (NFL). [2] The vessel is owned by the Government of Canada and was acquired as an interim replacement following the loss of MV Holiday Island in 2022. [1]

Contents

Construction

Northumberland was constructed at the Aker Yards shipyard at Brattvåg, Norway, and completed in 2006. [3] The vessel is a double-ended roll-on/roll-off ferry designed for short- to medium-distance crossings with frequent port calls. [4]

As built, the ship measures 129.8 m (425 ft 10 in) in length, with a beam of 18.7 m (61 ft 4 in) and a draught of approximately 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in). [3] The ferry has eight decks, including two vehicle decks and enclosed passenger accommodation. [2] Propulsion is provided by a diesel-electric system driving azimuth thrusters, allowing for enhanced maneuverability in confined harbours. [3]

Service history

Fanafjord in service with Fjord1 in 2007 MF Fanafjord Fjord1 (202832).jpg
Fanafjord in service with Fjord1 in 2007

The vessel entered service in 2007 as Fanafjord for Fjord1, operating on ferry routes in western Norway. [3]

Following a major engine-room fire aboard Holiday Island in July 2022, the Government of Canada sought an interim replacement to restore capacity on the Wood Islands–Caribou route while permanent replacement vessels are developed. [2] On 16 November 2023, Public Services and Procurement Canada announced the acquisition of Fanafjord for this purpose. [1] The ship was subsequently renamed Northumberland.

Northumberland was retrofitted at Fiskerstrand Verft and delivered to Transport Canada in December 2024. [5]

Northumberland arrived in Canada on 26 January 2025 and was berthed in Pictou, Nova Scotia for additional refit work prior to entering service. [2] [6] The vessel entered service in mid-June 2025, operating alongside MV Confederation to restore two-ship operations during peak-season demand. [6]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Government of Canada acquires an interim replacement for MV Holiday Island ferry". Public Services and Procurement Canada. 16 November 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Canada welcomes the arrival of the MV Northumberland". Transport Canada. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Northumberland (ex. Fanafjord)". LMG Marin. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  4. ↑ 5 New Environmental Ferries (Fjord1 Ferries) (PDF) (Report). ABB. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  5. ↑ "LMG-ferry goes to Canada". LMG Marin. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  6. 1 2 "Interim Replacement for the MV Holiday Island". Transport Canada. 26 September 2025. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
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